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Sep 7, 2010
LAX Flight Attendants Volunteer To Support Colleagues
“I have benefitted for years from the hard work of our union leadership, and those who volunteered their time before me, and feel like it’s my turn now...." -- New AFA Phone Volunteer Barbara Lewak
 [09.20.09] -- This summer, Los Angeles Council 12 member Barbara Lewak began volunteering her free time to help support her flying partner colleagues here at LAX. She felt the best way to learn was to "take phone calls and in turn, learn more" about her career of choice. Many LAX Flight Attendants have already received supportive direction and informational resources from Barbara, and have praised her for "being there." Many times, Flight Attendants are unsure of which AFA Committee to turn to, so Barbara refers them to the correct Flight Attendant activists, and the respective committees they serve on. Barbara diligently takes messages and makes calls from home (or layover), and distributes the rest accordingly to Local President Darren Shiroma or Local Vice President Karrie Forbes for attention.
AFA Phone Volunteer Barbara Lewak has been with United a total of 23 years. She was raised in Germany (for 22 years), and had previously flown for Pacific East Air and World Airways (in Los Angeles), and Lufthansa (in Germany). Prior to transferring to Onboard as a Flight Attendant, Barbara was a Customer Service Agent here at LAX. She states her involvement and desire to volunteer within our union were many. Barbara told us, “the main one being that the Union is “us” – Flight Attendants, and not “them” – some unknown entity. Our union can only be as strong and effective as the engagement of its membership. I was guilty of complaining about our Union just as much as the next person because I did not know what was going on behind the scenes. However, I realize that if we are not involved we cannot complain. It’s that simple.”
Barbara felt strongly that, “I have benefitted for years from the hard work of our union leadership, and those who volunteered their time before me, and feel like it’s my turn now. I may not always agree with the way things are, but based on my experience working without a contract for another carrier, I learned that having representation is not something to be underestimated.” “Another reason I am volunteering is that I, like many of my flying partners, feel inexperienced when it comes to really understanding legalities and our contract,” Barbara said.
She says she grew frustrated with the lack of knowledge of our Contract, and “felt that volunteering would be a good way to educate myself and allow me to pass this knowledge on to my fellow Flight Attendants.” Barbara lives in Redondo Beach, just south of LAX, and enjoys boating and supporting animal rescue organizations in her free time. She and her husband are huge fans of www.dhogg.com – a dachshund rescue organization.
On behalf of the Officers at LAX Council 12, and the Flight Attendants at LAX, “Thank You,” Barbara, for stepping forward to make a difference!
Letter From New LAX Reserve Committee Volunteer
 July 7, 2009
Hello LAX Flying Partners,
My name is Shaun-Christopher and I began my career with United in February of 2008. I have been a Flight Attendant since 2001, with United Airlines being my third carrier. In the seven years I have been flying, one word seems to follow me from carrier to carrier. That word is “solidarity”. We all have heard it before and some of us have used it here or there, but do we truly understand the meaning of it? I DO; and I embrace the meaning, that is why I have chosen to volunteer my time with our union here in Los Angeles.
It is so easy for us to complain about things within our company -- as well as things within our union -- when we don't understand what work and representation that is being done on our behalf. It is easy to place blame and to point fingers at one another. It’s also just as easy to decide to take action by voicing your concerns/suggestions, submitting a report to give "ammunition" to our AFA officers, or volunteering to help out at our Local Council. I am a firm believer that I will not complain about something unless I am willing to do something about it.
I am a Reserve Flight Attendant like many of you here, and I understand what it truly means to be at the "mercy" of crew scheduling. To feel as if you have no control over what happens to you while you are on call, to feel as if you are alone. The funny thing is we are not alone -- we have plenty of resources at our disposal to help us protect our rights; we just have to learn how to utilize them properly.
That is why I joined the Reserve Committee this past July, to pass the knowledge and the tools on to those I fly with so they can better understand our contract and our rights. I care about all issues across the system, not just reserve issues, because if one flight attendant has an issue then we all have that same issue. We must come together and truly fight for what we deserve. I look forward to learning new things from each and every one of you, and I also hope to lend a helping hand or to help support you as well.
Thank You and Fly Safe,
Shaun-Christopher Washington
AFA Los Angeles Council 12 Reserve Committee
Letter To LAX Flight Attendants From New AFA Volunteer
 February 4, 2009
Hello Everyone,
I'd like to take a moment to say "Thank You" to all of you! Thank you for the awesome job you do!
I joined United as a Flight Attendant in April of 2006. After just 4 months on the line, I found myself facing unwarranted discipline despite the five commendations in my work history file. Because I was new, I was afraid to pursue vindication of my record. It left a scar, but also left me with the growing determination to fight for fairness!
I didn't truly get involved with our Union until recently. I would sit around and express frustration and discuss things I had distaste for with others, without taking any action. I also considered getting back into law enforcement, just to get a bigger paycheck. I realize, though, that life is more than just about money. It's about values and finding meaning though them. My core values include Justice, Compassion, Growth and Fun! Involvement with our Union, AFA is consistent with these values.
Attending the LAX Roadshow in November 2008 was pivotal in my decision to become an active part of our union, AFA. It wasn't just a room full of Flight Attendants venting frustrations. It was a room full of caring and motivated people who were willing to become a part of a movement! I actually considered sleeping in on my day off, but was so happy that I attended. I know that many more Flight Attendants were understandably out flying, and were unable to attend. But, I also thought about those of us who, like me, were on the fence. Perhaps, they felt like their voice didn't matter.
Last month, Local Council President Darren Shiroma reached out to LAX Flight Attendants for help with our AFALAX.org website and other communications. I thought I'd be one out of many to volunteer for the “all call,” (and even wanted to submit my resume!), but I turned out to be the only one to respond. This was another reason that encouraged me to get involved!
I want to make our workplace better for myself and for all of you, and our Flight Attendant profession as a whole. There is a place for everyone in our AFA. I encourage everyone to reach out to other Flight Attendants for their involvement, especially in this time of negotiations. One voice may not be heard, but all United Flight Attendants standing together can do anything! Thank you again!
In Solidarity,
Rakiya “Rocky” Jones
AFALAX.org Website Committee
WHY UNION? What's the importance to me?
The logic of the trade union movement is a simple one and is the same everywhere. The main role of a union is to defend the interests of the employee, who by nature of the corporate environment, is the weaker party in an employment contract. For most employees the labor market is generally a buyer's market.
Except in highly specialized occupations, employers have an almost unfettered right and opportunity to choose the employees who get hired and to define the scope of their duties at work.
It is only through mutual cooperation and solidarity that employees can begin to compensate for this natural advantage of the employer. By negotiating collectively with the employer, workers can meet their employers on a more equal footing.
The strength of the Union lies in its members and can be measured by their participation in its affairs and by their awareness of the Union's role in their lives.
Membership participation and awareness don't just grow -- they must be cultivated. Workers need to be informed & engaged, get involved and must always be aware of the importance of vigilant enforcement of their Union contract and their rights on the job.
As with any organization; dues dollars are a part of ensuring the collective membership is protected. Dues monies ensure that the member-run association has the fiduciary ability to operate and defend the rights of the work group against the whims of management. While many members may feel that their union dues "don't go anywhere," any diligent union member need only to reach out to their peers who have taken charge and become involved in their union locally. Ask questions; get involved, and become an activist!
New F/A Steps Forward To Support Fellow Flight Attendants
[01.29.09] -- AFALAXNEWS -- In the January 20 issue of AFALAXNEWS, we sent an "all-call" out to the recipients of our e-newsletter for "anyone with writing skills, publishing skills, or web knowledge to send an email to help support our efforts to sustain, nurture and grow our online communications."
This past Thursday, LEC President Darren Shiroma met with LAX F/A Rakiya Jones. "Rocky" has just under two years with United, and has stepped forward to support our AFALAX.org website. Rocky came to United as a former police officer, small business owner, and most importantly to our AFALAX.org website, a degree in web and programming.
We look forward to working with Rocky as our AFALAX.org site has become an important part of staying connected to each other. With over 350 visitors to our AFALAX.org site per day, we are thankful for Rocky's involvement in our online resource center. Thank you, Rocky!
For more Activists & Volunteers from within our LAX membership, click here! >>
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